The West Contra Costa Unified School District has appointed Cheryl Cotton as its next superintendent after its Board of Education meeting this week, according to school district officials.
The board voted unanimously to approve Cotton’s three-year contract, with a trustee absent. She will assume the role on June 20, becoming the 11th permanent superintendent in the district’s history and the first permanent African American woman to lead it, WCCUSD officials said in a statement.
Cotton, a graduate of WCCUSD schools, currently serves as deputy superintendent of public instruction at the California Department of Education. She previously worked in human resources leadership roles in Albany Unified and the Contra Costa County Office of Education, and spent 14 years in WCCUSD as a principal and HR director.
“I am honored to return to the community that shaped my educational journey and professional path,” Cotton said in a statement. “Together, we will center equity, support student success, and uplift the voices of our families and educators.”
Cotton lives in the Bay Area with her family and holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Mills College. Her selection follows a nationwide search, which included more than 50 listening sessions with students, families, and stakeholders to identify key qualities desired in the district’s next leader.
WCCUSD board president Leslie Reckler welcomed Cotton’s return.
“Her familiarity with our community and wide-ranging professional experiences will be instrumental in driving student achievement,” Reckler said.
Cotton succeeds Superintendent Kenneth “Chris” Hurst, who announced his retirement in October of last year. Interim Superintendent Kim Moses will return to her role as associate superintendent of business services.
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